UUCDC is committed to a program designed to foster awareness of racism and oppression as it exists in our community and in our world. Following are several of the programs we are undertaking in order to foster a greater appreciation of these problems, and to help us overcome them. In the fall of 2006, the Board of Trustees charged the Coordinating Council of UUCDC with the task of having our church hold at least one program responding racism and classism. Rather than holding one major event to address these issues, the Council decided to sponsor a series of events throughout the year to heighten awareness and propose solutions to these topics. The results of these efforts are detailed in the Report to the General Assembly on the Events and Activities related to Racism and Classism During the Past Year or Report on Racism and Classism.
NAACP Scholarship Fund
Our church sponsors the NAACP Scholarship Fund from the proceeds of various events, projects and contributions by regular donors. College scholarships of $1,000 per year for up to four years are awarded to each of four Chester students selected by the NAACP Chester chapter. Students and their families attend a Sunday church service, receive their checks, and share their goals and accomplishments with us. We continue to award the scholarships if students have passing grades and program coordinator Bob Beaney keeps in touch with the students during the year to offer support and encouragement. Individual donations are welcome to help support this worthy program.
Contact: Bob Beaney
The Homer Jack Speaker Series
We welcome people who address topics of racism and oppression from various viewpoints. This lecture series is named in honor of Homer Jack, a Unitarian minister and activist who spent his career working for equal rights for African Americans and other voiceless people in our society. He attended UUCDC after his retirement. The Homer Jack speaker program will support the First Suburbs meeting this year. Watch for announcements of upcoming speakers on our calendar and home page.
Contact: Mardys Leeper
Creating a Jubilee World
Weekend-long workshops are facilitated by members of the UUA's Journey Towards Wholeness team. Sessions are designed to help Unitarian Universalist congregations dismantle racism by allowing participants to examine both personal and institutional racism, and by empowering them to develop a realistic plan that can move their congregations forward in working for racial justice.
Contact: TBA